Precipitate labour

Question 1

Precipitate labor Definition

Answer 1

labor lasting less than ≤2 hours. In other words, childbirth after an unusually rapid labor (duration is under two hours) with spontaneous expulsion of the infant

Question 2

Precipitate labor

Causes

Answer 2

1. Uterine hyperstimulation

a. Excessive oxytocic drugs (prostaglandins or oxytocin) and rapid absorption

b. Characterized by frequent strong contractions with no return to normal baseline pressurec. >5 contractions in 10 minutes with FHR changes (“Hyperstimulation syndrome”)

2. Multipara mother with weak and relaxed pelvic floor muscles.
3. Uterus is more and more sensitive to the same dose stimulation as labor progresses.

Question 3

Precipitate labor Complications

Answer 3

• Perineal damage and postpartum hemorrhage due to unaccommodated tissues
• Uterine atony – due to intense muscular effort and exhaustion
• Uterine rapture (especially in scar of previous C-section)
• Placental insufficiency, hypoxia and death
• Intracranial hemorrhage
• Amniotic aspiration

Question 4

Precipitate labor

Management

Answer 4

• Continuous CTG monitoring may also prevent this.
• Stop oxytocin infusion or removing vaginal PG pessary
• Administration of tocolytic agent (terbutaline).